Our Work for
policy and public affairs

Throughout 2017, and ever since the EU referendum result, techUK has actively advocated for the continued free flow of data between the UK and EU post-Brexit based on a stable and legal basis. techUK has been clear that an adequacy agreement with the EU is the best way to achieve that aim, which is crucial for businesses of every size and sector. During 2017 techUK undertook significant work to ensure that UK Government and policy makers understood the need for adequacy post-Brexit and published case studies and reports demonstrating its importance as a priority issue in Brexit negotiations. This helped lead to the UK Government publishing a position paper in August 2017 outlining their plans to seek a continued data flows agreement with the EU post-Brexit, which techUK supports. Work to secure an adequacy agreement with the EU continues into 2018 and will be a key area of work for the Data Protection Group as Brexit negotiations continue.

techUK has been clear that the UK should continue to implement the EU General Data Protection Framework despite the vote to leave the EU and lobbied Government accordingly. During 2017 techUK fed into the Government’s consultation on legislation to implement GDPR and in particular the UK’s planned use of derogations within the regulation. In September 2017 the Government published the Data Protection Bill, which will apply GDPR standards in the UK. When the Bill was published techUK’s CEO, Julian David, conducted a series of broadcast interviews on the Bill, including BBC News, Channel 4 News, Sky News and BBC Radio 5 Live. Since then techUK has worked with Government and Parliamentarians on the Bill, which entered the House of Lords in 2017. techUK successfully secured a number of amendments to the Bill in line with member priorities during its passage through the House of Lords. The Bill has now entered the House of Commons and techUK continues to engage with Government and Members of Parliament throughout 2018 ensuring the Bill’s successful passage through Parliament.

techUK has long been heavily involved in the EU General Data Protection Framework. Throughout 2017 techUK held a number of events raising awareness of GDPR and its impacts on different sectors of the economy, including Financial Services, Energy, Retail, Insurance, Local Government and Justice and Emergency Services, which were all well attended and featured leading experts on the topic.

As the GDPR deadline looms on 25 May 2018 and companies prepare for implementation, techUK spent 2017 actively engaged in commenting on guidance for businesses to comply with GDPR. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office an the EU Article 29 Working Party published a series of guidance in 2017 which aims to help companies comply. techUK has provided input to that guidance, suggesting amendments based on member priorities and ensuring that the guidance being published does not lead to additional requirements on companies beyond what is expected by GDPR itself. techUK is seen as an important and expert stakeholder on issues relating to GDPR and data protection more broadly. More guidance is expected in 2018 and techUK will continue to push member priorities.

Our Priorities

techUK's policy, finance and export programme works to create the best environment for technology businesses in the UK to achieve long term sustainable growth.

About techUK

techUK represents the companies and technologies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. More than 950 companies are members of techUK. Collectively they employ approximately 700,000 people, about half of all tech sector jobs in the UK. These companies range from leading FTSE 100 companies to new innovative start-ups. The majority of our members are small and medium-sized businesses.

techUK is committed to helping its members grow, by:

• Developing markets

• Developing relationships and networks

• Reducing business costs

• Reducing business risks.

techUK is the trading name for Information Technology Telecommunications and Electronics Association, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England number 1200318.